Ask the Sage: Quick Rules Questions volume 7 (DnD 5e)

[GallupsMirror]

Originally Posted by Peachyco

You are very much correct. The only possible downside is the crazy low save DC for his/her spell saves. ^__^

EDIT: And I just remembered, the number of spells prepared can be affected by the spellcasting ability modifier.

That seems to be the case for clerics, wizards, druids, and paladins. Otherwise, it looks like most classes--bards, sorcerers, warlocks, and rangers, maybe more--have a fixed number of spells determined entirely by class level.

Most spells don't seem to use the spellcaster's ability modifier at all, except for attack rolls and (as you said) calculating saving throws. And lots of spells, especially defensive and knowledge spells, have no saving throws. Some high level spells are so badass that the target may die either way, like Meteor Swarm, which averages 70 points of damage even if the poor sod makes the save. (Absent any CON bonus, the average 16th level wizard or sorcerer has 70 hit points.)

That's all a very interesting and pleasant surprise. In previous editions, a low spell casting ability score effectively neutered the character; now in 5e it doesn't matter nearly as much. The character will be less effective at some things, but still plenty useful.

[Peachyco]

One of the reasons I love 5E, really. You can handicap your character for RP reasons without completely sacrificing the effectiveness of the build. Fun all around. ^__^

[elflesh]

Is it possible to craft (import) your own uniques in 5th edition?

[zevonian]

Unique what? Spells? Magic items?

[elflesh]

both. See my other threads on importing a Diablo Necromancer using the guidelines in TSR 11760

[creed]

When you advance a level, how do you calculate what skill points you can add? Though the players manual had it but had no luck in finding the equation.

[zevonian]

You're more or less stuck with the skills you get at 1st level, unless DM allows for multiclassing and new skill taking with new classes. The skill ranks, so to speak, increase when your proficiency bonus increases.

[Zany]

You can also trade out an ability score increase for a feat, some of which give skill bonuses, such as the Skilled feat PHB Pg.170 which will allow you to use your proficiency bonus on more skills.

[jj_wolven]

Skill points do not exist in 5e, just proficiency.

-me

[loki_ragnarock]

There is also a set of optional downtime rules for training a skill. 250 days at 1gp a day.

Very campaign dependent, though, and definitely a DM ask.

[Goblin Man]

Hi, I'm a total noob and I hope my questions are not in the wrong thread.

1.

 

I give an exaggerated example for my first question. Imagine a character that has
18 Strength
18 Dexterity
18 Constitution
18 Intelligence
18 Wisdom
6 Charisma

(My character Bulrug comes somewhat close to this).

He would be totally over powered but this 6 in Charisma will give him an Intimidation skill of - 3, which might make him fail getting some respect from a commoner, right?
Do I understand that correctly? How to work around it? by some sophisticated roleplay only?

2.

 

Skills never get the proficiency bonus added twice?

ie. Half-Orcs are proficient in Intimidation. And if, I understand correctly, I can freely choose 2 skills as background (or choose a premade background with 2 skills). Furthermore, Classes (ie.
Barbarian, Cleric) also come with 2 skills usually. That means in total my Half-Orc will have 5 skills he is proficient in, and Intimidation will be one of it? I cannot choose one skill 2 or 3 times and add up the proficiency bonus?

Thanks

[Wynamoinen]

Hi Goblin Man, welcome to the site!

1) This is GM dependent, so it's worth talking to them. Social skills are really about CHANGING attitudes & behaviors. If they already respect you (for whatever reason), then a low intimidation won't change that. But if they are skeptical of you, or are disrespecting you for whatever reason, then you could use intimidation to try and change that. And yes, a low modifier would make you relatively bad at that. But you wouldn't automatically be more disrespected than others because of a low intimidation modifier.

Role play, other strategies (bribery, persuasion, etc), or not giving a **** are all "solutions" to that problem. Honestly (IMHO), having a character who is good at everything is boring. You build a character around what they are BAD at, as much or moreso than around what they're good at. WHY are they bad at intimidation? You've got a super-mega-orc who always wears flowers in their hair or is gently petting a cute kitten?

It's worth saying that not every intimidation check need be a charisma check. There can be such things as Intimidation (strength) checks. Again, you'd need to work with your GM to see when and if they're cool with that.

2) Yes, you can only get proficiency in a skill once. You're either proficient or not, in that respect. So, getting both a half-orc intimidation proficiency AND a barbarian proficiency in intimidation would be a waste; you'd be throwing away a proficiency slot.

While you are either proficient or not, there are certain classes that improve the value of your proficiency bonus. In particular the Rogue and Bard Expertise features double the value of your proficiency bonus for a few skills. There are also some playtest feats that can get you this, but many GMs (myself included) would not allow them, since they're not published.

[jj_wolven]

Exception to 2)
Rogue Expertise

-me

[Goblin Man]

Hi, thanks for your answers.

 

Originally Posted by jj_wolven

Exception to 2)
Rogue Expertise

-me

Originally Posted by Wynamoinen

Hi Goblin Man, welcome to the site!

1) This is GM dependent, so it's worth talking to them. Social skills are really about CHANGING attitudes & behaviors. If they already respect you (for whatever reason), then a low intimidation won't change that. But if they are skeptical of you, or are disrespecting you for whatever reason, then you could use intimidation to try and change that. And yes, a low modifier would make you relatively bad at that. But you wouldn't automatically be more disrespected than others because of a low intimidation modifier.

Role play, other strategies (bribery, persuasion, etc), or not giving a **** are all "solutions" to that problem. Honestly (IMHO), having a character who is good at everything is boring. You build a character around what they are BAD at, as much or moreso than around what they're good at. WHY are they bad at intimidation? You've got a super-mega-orc who always wears flowers in their hair or is gently petting a cute kitten?

It's worth saying that not every intimidation check need be a charisma check. There can be such things as Intimidation (strength) checks. Again, you'd need to work with your GM to see when and if they're cool with that.

2) Yes, you can only get proficiency in a skill once. You're either proficient or not, in that respect. So, getting both a half-orc intimidation proficiency AND a barbarian proficiency in intimidation would be a waste; you'd be throwing away a proficiency slot.

While you are either proficient or not, there are certain classes that improve the value of your proficiency bonus. In particular the Rogue and Bard Expertise features double the value of your proficiency bonus for a few skills. There are also some playtest feats that can get you this, but many GMs (myself included) would not allow them, since they're not published.

Since you both mentioned rogues and skills, I rolled for a rogue and started a sheet:
https://www.rpgcrossing.com/profiler/view.php?id=72086

Now I got lost, regarding skills and tool proficiencies. What i understand or not understand:

Generally regarding tool kits and proficiencies:

 

1.can the thief tools, poison kit and disguise kit be chosen by any class or are there limitations? thief tool proficiencies just for rogues and bards? Poison just for Assassins?

2. Skills and tool handling are always checked by a 1d20 roll +-modifiers/boni? (ability check vs difficulty class)

regarding application of (thief) tools:

 

1. I can be a fighter or wizard etc with thief tools in my hands? If the GM/DM says I need to roll a 15 (=DC of ability check) to pick that lock, I can try it independently from any class and proficiency etc. What would be my roll? 1d20? +- something? plus DexMod?
2. If I'm a thief then I will at least roll 1d20+proficiency bonus (+DexMod)? That would be just +2 at lvl one, as compared to any other class (with same DexMod)? DexModifier is involved? Are thief tool kit applications DexAbililty checks?
3. If I fail to pick it successfully, I can roll again? If the situation allows?

Rogue creation regarding skills and thief tools:

 

1. As rogue I'm always proficient with thief tools?
2. First step: I can choose 4 skill proficiencies out of those listed for rogues?
(1d20+prof bonus+ability Mod)
3. I can/have to choose 2 skills which will have double prof bonus? Alternatively I can choose 1 skill and thief tools again? ie.:
Investigation skill: 1d20+2xprof bonus+1xIntelMod
Thief tools: 1d20+2xprof bonus (+1xDexMod?)
4. When I choose 2 skills as my background I choose other skills. So no doubling or tripling any further?

Good links that answer my questions are fine of course.
Thank you!

[Wynamoinen]

Originally Posted by Goblin Man

Generally regarding tool kits and proficiencies:

 

1.can the thief tools, poison kit and disguise kit be chosen by any class or are there limitations? thief tool proficiencies just for rogues and bards? Poison just for Assassins?

2. Skills and tool handling are always checked by a 1d20 roll +-modifiers/boni? (ability check vs difficulty class)

No prob! These answers will be briefer. First, I can't see your sheet. You need to share it.

1. Any class can use them, as long as they get the proficiency from class, background, race, or feat. (this is something of a complaint for some people, since it makes rogues seem less "special")

2. Yes, checks are the same. d20 + stat modifier + proficiency (if you have it).

Originally Posted by Goblin Man

regarding application of (thief) tools:

 

1. I can be a fighter or wizard etc with thief tools in my hands? If the GM/DM says I need to roll a 15 (=DC of ability check) to pick that lock, I can try it independently from any class and proficiency etc. What would be my roll? 1d20? +- something? plus DexMod?
2. If I'm a thief then I will at least roll 1d20+proficiency bonus (+DexMod)? That would be just +2 at lvl one, as compared to any other class (with same DexMod)? DexModifier is involved? Are thief tool kit applications DexAbililty checks?
3. If I fail to pick it successfully, I can roll again? If the situation allows?

1. read the description of the tools on page 154 PHB. If you're proficient in the tools, you get to apply your proficiency bonus to your traps and locks checks. That's regardless of class. But if you're just holding the tools while not proficient, you get no proficiency bonus.

2. See 1. Rogues get thieves tools proficiency automatically, so yes they roll d20+DEX+prof. But they are not inherently "better" at the tools than anyone else with the same DEX and proficiency. Of course, as below, you could apply your Expertise to thieves tools.

3. Depends on the situation and the GM. I would usually NOT let people try again. That's because I would usually say that if you try to disarm and fail, the trap springs. But different people could make different rulings here. I generally dislike the "roll until you succeed" approach to skill checks. It defeats the point of skill checks, it seems to me.

Originally Posted by Goblin Man

Rogue creation regarding skills and thief tools:

 

1. As rogue I'm always proficient with thief tools?
2. First step: I can choose 4 skill proficiencies out of those listed for rogues?
(1d20+prof bonus+ability Mod)
3. I can/have to choose 2 skills which will have double prof bonus? Alternatively I can choose 1 skill and thief tools again? ie.:
Investigation skill: 1d20+2xprof bonus+1xIntelMod
Thief tools: 1d20+2xprof bonus (+1xDexMod?)
4. When I choose 2 skills as my background I choose other skills. So no doubling or tripling any further?

1. yes.

2. yes

3. yes, that is what Expertise grants all rogues at level 1. You are interpreting the modifiers correctly.

4. Yes, that's what we discussed in the last set of questions.

Sounds like you go that stuff figured out!